Before I bought this car I had a 1.8focus tdci and it used to pick up well. When I attempt to overtake in my rx8 I struggle to find a suitable gear my car suffering with ccompression problems and will be changing it soon. I got a 193ps 5 speed and 4th seem to low in rpm and 3rd seem way too high is this due to my compression problem or should I invest in a 6 speed box

 

Downshifting to a gear that will put the engine near 4000 rpm should put you where you will start making power and still give you time before you need to grab a higher gear. This is a rotary engine. You have lots of revs before you hit redline.

 

Yeah I see I think 4th puts me around that rpm just doesn't seem to pick up fast enough. Either that or I'm just not used to it lol

 

North America didn't get a model with the low power engine and 5 speed manual. Most people here don't have any experience with that combination. As I understand it, most cars in the UK were high power and 6 speed also.

I'm going to move your post to the European Forum. You may find others that can help you there.

 

Also, yes, compression loss WILL be a power loss. Rebuilding or replacing the engine will restore much of that power loss.

Also keep in mind that if other things, such as ignition health, are not ideal there is a sharp drop in power loss as well.

 

Check your compression, ignition system, catalytic converter and fuel pump.

 

Well I know I've got warm start problem and I've replaced coils etc I haven't bothered to upgrade my starter yet. I have bought a later engine to replace my current one so once fitted if I find I'm still having similar problems I will look further into it will probably visit local mazda dealer and get a compression check done and full diagnostics just to make sure

 

I wouldn't bother with a Mazda dealer mate, as they can be expensive and often have little knowledge of the RX-8. Whereabouts in the UK are you, as there are a number of specialists who will be able to provide much better advice and assistance?